How do I calculate my annual salary from my hourly rate?

Multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours you work per week, then by 52 weeks. For a standard full-time role of 38 hours per week, the formula is: hourly rate × 38 × 52 = annual gross salary. This assumes no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. If you work different hours, adjust the weekly hours accordingly.

What is the difference between the National Minimum Wage and award rates?

The National Minimum Wage is the legal minimum pay for employees not covered by an award or agreement, set by the Fair Work Commission. Award rates are industry- or occupation-specific minimums that can be higher. Many employees are covered by an award, which may include additional entitlements like penalty rates. Always check your award via the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides.

How is superannuation paid on top of my salary?

Superannuation guarantee contributions are paid by your employer on top of your ordinary earnings, currently at 12% of your gross salary. This is not deducted from your pay; it is an additional cost to your employer. The super contribution is capped at the maximum contribution base ($270,830 for 2026–27). For example, if your annual salary is $80,000, your employer adds $9,600 in super.

How to Convert Hourly to Annual Pay: A League Average Salary Example

For a typical 38-hour week, your annual salary is your hourly rate multiplied by 1,976 hours (38 × 52).

Converting Your Hourly Rate to Annual Pay

If you're paid by the hour or considering a salary offer, understanding how your hourly rate translates into annual pay is essential. The standard formula used in Australia is simple: hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks. For a full-time employee working 38 hours per week, that means multiplying your hourly rate by 1,976 (38 × 52). This gives you your gross annual salary before tax, Medicare, and super.

For example, if you earn a league average salary — say the ABS Average Weekly Earnings for full-time adult ordinary time of $2,083.70 per week — your annual gross pay would be approximately $108,352 ($2,083.70 × 52). That figure is a useful benchmark for comparing your own earnings.

Why 38 Hours?

The 38-hour week is the standard full-time hours under the Fair Work Act. Many awards and agreements use this as the base. If you work different hours, adjust the weekly figure accordingly. For part-time or casual roles, use your actual average weekly hours.

Fortnightly Pay

Many employers pay fortnightly. To find your fortnightly gross pay, simply multiply your weekly pay by 2. Using the same example: $2,083.70 per week gives $4,167.40 per fortnight. This can help you budget between pay cycles.

Understanding Minimum Wage and Award Rates

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual minimum $33.05 per hour. This is the legal floor — most workers are covered by an award or registered agreement that sets higher rates. Check your specific award using the pay guides on this site.

Award rates vary by industry and classification. They often include penalty rates for weekends, nights, or public holidays. If you're on an award, your hourly rate may be higher than the minimum wage. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Casual Loading

Casual employees get a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate to compensate for lack of leave entitlements. When using our the timesheet, you can tick a box to add 25% casual loading. Do not enter a rate that already includes the loading — the calculator adds it automatically.

Superannuation: Paid on Top

Superannuation guarantee contributions are paid by your employer on top of your ordinary earnings. From 1 July 2026, the rate is 12% of your gross salary, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. This means your total employment cost is higher than your salary. For example, on a $80,000 salary, your employer pays an extra $9,600 in super. Super is not deducted from your pay; it's an additional benefit.

Tax and Medicare on Your Annual Salary

Once you have your annual gross figure, you need to estimate your take-home pay after tax and the Medicare levy. The 2026–27 resident tax rates are:

$0 – $18,200: nil
$18,201 – $45,000: 15% on excess over $18,200
$45,001 – $135,000: 30% on excess over $45,000
$135,001 – $190,000: 37% on excess over $135,000
Over $190,000: 45% on excess over $190,000

Plus the Medicare levy of 2% of your taxable income (using 2025–26 single reduction thresholds as 2026–27 thresholds are not confirmed here). For a league average salary of $108,352, tax would be approximately $24,167 plus Medicare of $2,167, leaving around $82,018 after tax (excluding HELP or surcharges).

Use our take-home pay guide for more detailed estimates.

Important Disclaimer

This calculation assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, no allowances, and no salary sacrifice. Super is estimated at 12% of ordinary earnings only, paid on top, and stops at the $270,830 maximum contribution base. Tax uses the 2026–27 resident scale with the full tax-free threshold. Medicare uses the 2025–26 single reduction thresholds because the 2026–27 reduction thresholds were not confirmed here. HELP, the Medicare levy surcharge, and salary packaging are not deducted. This is an estimate, not a determination of your pay or tax.

For more detailed reference tables, see our reference tables page. If you need to convert a different hourly rate, use the hourly conversion tool.